Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Happy Bath----A Male Oriental Magpie Robin

The Oriental Magpie Robin is a common resident in Hong Kong. A couple of days ago, I saw a male bird enjoying a bath in a small pond. I thought he looked very cute.

The sun was very hot that day. The Oriental Magpie Robin came to a small pond to cool himself down.

He “jumped” in the water within seconds,

and had a big splash around!

When he was satisfied with the wash, he found a sunny spot to enjoy a sunbath.

I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw this picture as I had caught the occurrence of the Nictitating membrane on camera!

The Nictitating membrane is a translucent inner eyelid in birds which moves across the eye to protect it when underwater. I have read about it before but this is the first time I have actually seen it.